A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Flam for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Budapest or Flam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Flam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Budapest and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest. Although Budapest and Flam are popular destinations, Budapest has more sights and attractions for tourists. Budapest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Budapest different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flam and Budapest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Budapest or Flam?

Budapest is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Budapest or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Flam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Flam for the hiking trails. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Flam?

Budapest is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Flam is very family-friendly. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Flam are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Students?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Budapest or Flam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors in Budapest can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Budapest or Flam a more walkable city?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its high level of walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Flam is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Budapest or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Budapest than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Flam than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Flam, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Flam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Budapest that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Flam if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.

One day in Budapest or Flam?

Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Flam?

Budapest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Flam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Flam?

Budapest is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Flam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Flam?

The cultural city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Flam, we can see that Flam is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Flam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flam than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Flam?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3390 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Flam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Budapest or Flam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Budapest or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Budapest is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Flam. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is a little warmer than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Flam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Flam. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Flam in the winter. The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Flam. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Flam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Flam. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Budapest is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Flam and Budapest